October 31 2010: Henderson is caught on camera in the St James’ Park tunnel moments before his first Tyne-Wear derby.

He looks anxious, tense and nervous. A rabbit caught in headlights, a football rookie.

Newcastle thrash his beloved Sunderland 5-1.

May 2 2018: Liverpool players are celebrating reaching the Champions League final after holding off a fierce Roma fightback.

Henderson, yards away from his team-mates, is deep in conversation with a security man.

Then he walks through the police cordon to collect a fan’s banner he’s spotted, wishing good luck to Sean Cox, the supporter lying critically injured after being attacked before the first leg at Anfield a week earlier.

Liverpool train at Anfield ahead of Champions League final

LIVERPOOL have been training on the pitch at Anfield today ahead of the Champions League final.

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Mohamed Salah

He beckons the players for a group photograph before proudly displaying the tribute.

Negotiater, leader, Liverpool’s ‘Captain Fantastic’.

One man who is not surprised by Henderson’s transformation is Sunderland legend and Black Cats’ Academy coach Kevin Ball, who has known the Wearsider since he was 15.

“I was aware of his promise when the club awarded him a scholarship but it was only when he started coming in full-time that I got to know him not just as a footballer but as a person too,” said Ball.

“You learn about character and Jordan’s focus on wanting to be a success was intense and immense.

“As a lad, he was a genuinely decent human being. Still is. His parents must be very proud of him.”